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In an effort to address an estimated $500-million budget deficit, the state of Connecticut lays off 6 percent of its workforce. Gov. John Rowland warns more state workers could lose their jobs if unions fail to agree to concessions in the coming months. Caitlyn Kim reports.

Last week's settlement between longshoremen and shipping companies on the West Coast has both sides pledging to repair relations. That may be tough considering the rancor throughout the months-long dispute, and considering the volatile relations between the two unions: the International Longshoremen and Warehouse Union and the Pacific Maritime Association. Carrie Kahn reports.

McDonald's Corporation abruptly announced that chairman and CEO Jack Greenberg is retiring. Greenberg has been under fire for the fast food chain's weak performance in the face of mad cow disease, price wars and complaints about poor service. NPR's Scott Horsley reports.

Opponents on the left and the right challenge the new campaign finance law in court, saying it violates free-speech rights by limiting "issue ads" paid for by interest groups. A special panel of federal judges will hear the case. NPR's Peter Overby reports.

Hundreds of experts meet in Washington, D.C., this week to review a new federal agenda on global climate change. The review stems from President Bush's contention that more study is needed before the United States can endorse the Kyoto climate treaty. NPR's Richard Harris reports.

NPR's Richard Gonzales reports that colleges and universities are facing rough financial times. Public universities are feeling the repercussions from state budget deficits, and some private schools have seen their investments dwindle. University of California regents are among many state officials considering tuition hikes. Others are looking at layoffs and larger classes. (5:00)

Modern medical centers are linked by computer networks. Doctors use them to order prescriptions, to monitor patients' vital signs from afar and to send the bill. So what happens when the computers crash? NPR's Richard Knox reports on one such occurrence in Boston, which serves as a lesson to health care providers. (5:15)

Federal agents in Buffalo arrest three relatives of a man accused of being part of an al Qaeda sleeper cell. The men are charged with illegally sending money to Yemen. Authorities say the three are not accused of terrorism-related activities. NPR's Jennifer Ludden reports.

The Bush administration eases federal rules governing runoff from major livestock operations, calling the existing regulations confusing and costly. Critics say the move further damages efforts to keep rivers and streams clean. NPR's John Nielsen reports.

South Koreans vote for a president Thursday. Ruling party candidate Roh Moo-hyun, 56, is a former labor and human rights lawyer. He faces the older and more conservative Lee Hoi-chang. Relations with North Korea are a key issue of the campaign. NPR's Eric Weiner reports.